Dane

Dane County Judge Overturns Controversial Act 10, Shifts Labor Landscape

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Madison, WI — A Dane County judge has issued a ruling to strike down Act 10, a Wisconsin law that significantly limited collective bargaining rights for most public workers. This decision marks a major shift in the ongoing battle over union rights in the state. Passed in 2011, Act 10 was a centerpiece of former Governor Scott Walker’s administration. The law faced immediate opposition, inciting large protests and sparking a national debate over union rights. Designed to address a $3.6 billion budget shortfall, the law curtailed collective bargaining for most public sector workers, including teachers … Read more

Dane County Faces Critical Decision: Fund Public Safety Positions or Boost Affordable Housing Initiatives

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Madison, WI – In Dane County, a crucial debate is underway as local officials grapple with a challenging budget decision: whether to prioritize funding for public safety or divert resources to tackle the escalating affordable housing crisis. The discussions reveal deep-seated tensions between immediate public safety needs and long-term social stability goals. A recently proposed budget has sparked controversy by suggesting the reallocation of funds from two currently vacant deputy positions to support housing initiatives and translation services for non-English speakers. This move has been met with opposition from Dane County Sheriff Kalvin Barrett, who … Read more

Scam Alert: Dane County Sheriff’s Office Warns of Convincing Jury Duty Phone Frauds

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MADISON, Wis. — Residents in Dane County are being targeted by a sophisticated phone scam involving individuals posing as officials from the local sheriff’s office, claiming that targets have missed jury duty and consequently, there are warrants out for their arrest unless they pay a supposed fine. Elise Schaffer, a Public Information Officer with the Dane County Sheriff’s Office, noted that with each technological advancement, scammers also refine their tactics. She highlighted that although many believe they could easily recognize a scam, the reality often proves different. “These calls are extremely convincing and can be … Read more

Overhauling Absentee Ballot Standards: Dane County Judge Rules Witness Address Requirements Invalid

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City, State – In a significant development regarding the standards for a witness’ address on an absentee ballot envelope, a Dane County judge has issued two rulings that will reshape the criteria for these ballots to be counted. The judge’s decisions include dismissing the Elections Commission’s requirement for street number, street name, and municipality on the envelope. Additionally, the judge ruled that clerks cannot reject absentee ballots if witnesses fail to include certain information, such as the ZIP code or municipality. These rulings contradict a previous decision made by a Waukesha County judge in September … Read more